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Luther slid his eye mask down to cover his eyes. He wasn't a fan of sleeping in a casket like his brother so he found himself using these after he saw it on TV ages ago. It almost has the same effect without the suffocation. They also make him look even more human with his odd looking eyes covered up but that was not a part of his monolog.
It was late at night, a bit too late even for Luther who often found himself struggling to sleep. The wildlife outside is the busiest at this hour and to Luther's misfortune, his senses extend to a great length that he can't disclose. But amongst all the life surrounding him, there was a certain heartbeat that stood out, fast and irregular, too loud but Luther had gotten used to it. It's been around for ages, so loud and clear, so close to him, it lulled him to sleep every night, knowing that his dear little brother was home and safe, his heart beating in a chaotic manner that sounded just like the boy himself. It was almost ironic that all beings here had a heartbeat despite not being exactly alive. Luther contemplated the concept as he focused on his brother's presence.
He was half asleep when the rhythm changed. Luther turned his head to the side to get a better sense of it, that didn't really do anything but it was a habit of his. It didn't matter what way he was looking, he will always feel the presence of his little brother and hear his little heart beating all over the place.
The pace has gotten slower. If that was anyone -or anything- else other than Randal a slow heartbeat would indicate stability, but not for his brother. His heart slowed down when he was guarded, distressed, angry. Luther couldn't tell which is which but all he knew was that it was his duty to go sooth whichever troubling his little brother this late at night.
He could've teleported right in front of the boy's room in an instant, but he knew his brother hated it when he made a surprise move such as this. So Luther walked through the halls, firm yet calm steps echoed through the silent house, indicating the arrival of Luther.
Even after all the introductions he still knocked softly, just to be polite this time. When he heard no answer he slowly pushed the door open. It was pitch dark in there but that was never a problem for Luther, he didn't feel the need to pretend he couldn't see the outline of his brother's figure even through the thick wood of his casket, it was just the two of them right now and there was no time for formalities.
"Randal.."
He spoke softly as he pushed the lid of the casket open, announcing his arrival one last time, not wanting to startle his little brother further.
There was Randal, he has already recovered from whatever spooked him a minute ago. He looked more upset than anything, Luther could tell from the lack of eye contact. He sighed fondly as he pulled the sheets up to Randal's chest, smoothing his messy hair with his free hand.
"Bad dream huh? haven't had one of these in a while"
He didn't exactly ask any questions as it was clear that Randal didn't wanna speak, matter of fact he was already trying to fall back asleep, completely dismissing his brother's existence. It was a bummer but Luther understood the defensiveness behind it, Randal must feel like his privacy was being invaded right now But Luther really couldn't help it. After earning an annoyed grunt he withdrew his hand and began to put the lid back on.
"Alright alright, no need to get cranky"
He chuckled fondly as he leaned closer and whispered.
"If you change your mind just call me"
He knocked on the casket playfully as he got up heavily and turned around to leave. He lingered by the door frame for a second, listening for something. Once he could hear that same old mess of a heartbeat he smiled widely, reassured and content he left and closed the door behind him. Now he can sleep peacefully.
